NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University's College of Sciences and Mathematics will present its third annual Women in STEM Luncheon and Style Show at noon Tuesday, April 4, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
The luncheon is an effort to raise funds to create scholarships for women who are majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines at SFA.
"America is experiencing a significant under-representation of women who select STEM majors and persist to enter STEM or STEM-related careers," said Dr. Kimberly M. Childs, dean of SFA's College of Sciences and Mathematics. "Although women comprise approximately 48 percent of the U.S. workforce, they hold less than 25 percent of STEM jobs."
This year's Women in STEM luncheon will feature a gallery walk and poster presentation of STEM research performed by female SFA faculty members and students. Researchers will attend the poster presentation, and visitors are encouraged to talk with researchers before the luncheon.
During the luncheon, female keynote speakers will discuss their experiences with STEM research and careers. Selected men will escort female role models during the style show to help emphasize the importance of having men support women in STEM disciplines.
"Last year's luncheon generated enough funds to provide three $5,000 scholarships to young women enrolled in SFA's College of Sciences and Mathematics," Childs said. "We hope this year's luncheon will generate even more donations to fund more scholarships, which is our goal each year we organize the Women in STEM event."
The Town House and Miller's Point will provide the fashions for this year's event.
The 2017 Women in STEM Luncheon and Style Show is sponsored by J.E. Kingham Construction Company and Kristi Owens, vice president and wealth management advisor with Merrill Lynch.
For more information about the event, including ticket and table reservations, email Kim Carmona, project coordinator for the College of Sciences and Mathematics, at kdcarmona@sfasu.edu.
Axe ’Em, Jacks!